DARWIN, MN  Darwin author David Rohy has announced the release of his new book, ‘“Jocko’s” Original Book of Sports Puns,’ a collaborative effort with illustrator Gerard Kulzer, of Litchfield.

The book, which takes a comic look at a number of double entendres from a variety of popular sports, is Rohy’s second, and the first for Kulzer.

The humor in the book stems from Rohy’s years of experience participating in and watching sports, and is brought to life by the creative pen of Kulzer’s drawings, according to Rohy.

Growing up in northern Minnesota, Rohy has spent a lifetime as a sports fan and participant, he said.

He is a graduate of the University of Minnesota, where he majored in journalism, and recently retired from his career as an airline business analyst for a major software development and solutions company.

After retiring from 31 years in the airline industry, Rohy wrote his first book, “A Funny Thing Happened When I Was In . . .,” which was published December 2011.

When looking for an illustrator for his Jocko series, Rohy was originally looking for a talented student from a local high school.

However, upon hearing the idea behind Rohy’s book, Kulzer told him, “Boy, I’d love to do that,” and the partnership was born.

Kulzer grew up in Sauk Centre and attended the University of Minnesota-Duluth, where he majored in art and industrial technical education.

As the founder of Kulzer Design Studios, he offers a variety of artwork, including sculpture, pottery, painting, and web design.

Kulzer is the chair of the art department for the Litchfield School District, where he has taught and coached for many years.

The experience Kulzer had coaching various sports made it easier for Rohy to describe what Jocko should be doing in each illustration, Rohy said.

The book is geared towards both sports fans and sports participants, Rohy said.

“Early teens who are into sports love it,” Rohy said, noting that grandparents have found it a good gift for their athletic grandchildren.

Already, the second “Jocko” book is in the works, and should be available within the next two years, Rohy noted.

At this time, Rohy has enough material to complete four sequels to this first book.

“We’re really hoping to do some merchandising,” Rohy said, such as hats, T-shirts, and other materials.

Kulzer and Rohy hope to attract merchandising opportunities for the Jocko character in the near future, Rohy added.

The book is currently available at Latté Da Coffee Shop in Dassel; Book World in the Kandi Mall in Willmar; at the publisher’s website, www.lulu.com; and at Amazon.com.